CHAPTER NINETEEN
Saturday evening in Phoenix, Ryker stood next to the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows in his condominium. He rested his arm against the glass and stared at the city lights.
What a day.
He’d gotten an assist as an eighty-fourth-minute substitute. He had expected no playing time his first match back, but he was thrilled to contribute to the 2-1 win. Mr. McElroy had greeted him with a handshake when he came off the pitch. Coach Fritz had said to expect more playing time during a friendly scheduled for Wednesday and next Saturday’s match.
Ryker James was back in a big way.
Blake agreed.
His teammates, however, were more subdued about Ryker’s return. A few handshakes, some glares, a couple not-so-subtle grumbles.
Ryker didn’t blame them. He was their captain and had miss
